Ladder



May 29, 1928.

1,671,239 M. c. GRIGGS LADDER Filed June 28, 1927 INVENTOR Patented May 29, 1928.

unites STATES PATENT MONROE C. GRIGGS, OF EXETER, CALIFORNIA.

LADDER.

Application filed June 28, 1927. Serial No. 202,094.

This invention relates to improvements in ladders,

the principal object of my invention being to provide a structure of this general character which may be a step ladder and as used both as a straight ladder; the

ordinary difference between these two forms being that a step ladder requires a third leg for its support, while a straight ladder is usually longer and its upper end is intended to bear directly against a fixed support which a step ladder will not reach.

improved vantages of both forms ladder combines the adof structure in a fective for the purpose signed.

These objects for which it is de- 1 accomplish by means of such structure and relative arrangement of parts as will fully appear by a perusal of the following specification and claims.

In the drawings similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several views Fig. 1 proved ladder.

is a rear perspective view of my imladder structure as used as a step Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the device as in use as a straight ladder.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section of the ladder showing the adjustable leg or bar positioned for use as a straight ladder.

Fig. 4 is a cross section on the line H of Fig. 3.

Referring now more particularly to the characters of reference on the drawings the ladder comprises vertical side rails 1 extending the top between and connected to which is rungs 2, the rails at being surmounted by a relatively heavy cap-step 3.

Projecting rearwardly from and secured to the upper one of the steps 2 centrally of its width between the rails is a rigid loop or stirrup 4 through which is slidable a rigid bar or leg 5 of as the rails.

the back of the bar carries to detachably engage from jacent transversely extending stirrup. forms a substantially the same length Some distance from the top a wide hook 6 above the admember of the When the hook is thus engaged it hinge about which the bar may rock,

the upper end of the bar then riding in a guide groove 7 cut in the lower surface of the cap-step, and the top of the groove then engaging the top of the bar in order to prevent disengagement of the hook from the stirrup. lVhen the leg'is disposed at a predetermined and suitable angle to the ladder so that the latter will be properly supported relative to the ground, the forwardface of the bar at the top bears against a stop 8 formed at the forward end of the groove, thus preventing further spreading of the leg and avoiding the need of any movement limiting braces or straps therebetween. The ladder may then of course be used for any purpose for which a step ladder is suitable, as will be evident.

Vhen the use of the ladder is not desired the member 5 is merely swung on its hinge connection so as to lie adjacent the back of the ladder.

Secured to the forward face of the bar 5 near the bottom is a downwardly depending angled hook pin the bar is disposed parallel to the rails to enter a centrally located hole 10 provided in certain ones of the steps 2 from the lower one upwardly. In order to thus position and set the bar 5, the latter is moved clear of the groove 7, the hook 6 is disengaged from the stirrup and the bar is slid upwardly until the hook 9 alines with whichever step-hole it is desired to engage said hook with. The bar is then lowered slightly so as to cause the hook to enter the hole. The bar will then project varied distances above the cap-step (depending upon which of the steps 2 is used in engaging the hook) and will bear against the rear edge of said step. The upper end of the bar may then be rested against any fixed surface, as shown in Fig. 2, so that the ladder may then be used where a-step ladder is unsuitable, since, as will be evident, such supporting surface may be at a height nearly twice that of the rails 1, or of the ladder proper. At the same time the ladder when folded is very compact and relativelv short.

From the foregoing description it will be readily seen that I have produced such a device as substantially fulfills the objects of the invention as set forth herein.

While this specification sets forth in detail the present and preferred construction of the device, still in practice such deviaperie o hes e rails end tions from such detail may be resorted to as do not form a departure from the spirit of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. i

Having thus described my invention What I claim as new and useful and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1.v A ladder comprising spaced side rails and steps therebetween to form a rigid unit, a centrally disposed stirrup projecting rears Wardly from an upper step, a bar slidabie through and guided by the stirrup for swinging movement] thereabout, the top of the bar being adapted to pass under the topmost step of the ladder when said bar is disposed angulanly to, the side rails, the bar clearing the topmost step when disposed e wn ardly rojec in ek n h fqnwerdl ace i. h

so bar neqrthe bOttOm. to detachably engage orifices provided in the various steps centrally of the width thereof.

2. A ladder comprising spaced side rails and steps therebetween to form a rigid unit, a vertical ban disposed behind the unit centrally of the Width thereof and arranged to be moved to occupy positions at an angle to the side rails or parallel thereto and to he capable of upward movement relative to the unit when in the; latter position, guide means for the her on the unit to enable the hat to beswung about said mean-see an to the above named positions, and means. between the bar and unit for, preventing deflection of he ban both at rally andrtrom a, parallel relationship: tom he. side. rails after the. bar has; been initially swung to such parallel PQSWXQ L In tes imony whereof I afiismz signature, 

